A Word From Our President

                                              SEASON’S GREETINGS TO ALL MAA MEMBERS

Although the economy is not doing well, there was still much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.  I hope you all enjoyed family and food, and gave thanks to all the military that have and still are providing our freedom and safety to celebrate Thanksgiving. A special thanks to all of you who participated in the first fall Arbor Day project at Belvoir-Scott’s Plantation on October 10th.  Even though we had misty rain most of the time, the day was very successful.  Nate Bailey (Director of Development at Rockbridge Academy), was very appreciative of our time and efforts and presented the MAA with a framed picture of the main house thanking us for that day.  Matt Anacker and his team did a superb job of setting up this special day.

I am not sure if you all have heard the news that Steve Koehn (Director of DNR Forest Services) was elected to serve as the President of the National Association of State Foresters for 2009-2010.  We wish Steve the best in his new position.  Associate Directors Don VanHassent and Kenneth Jolly will have the opportunity for executive level professional development for six months each.  Don will serve the first six months, followed by Ken.  They will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the unit.  We also wish Don and Ken good luck with this opportunity.

It was good to see some of you at the TCIA and MAC-ISA in the past two months.  Both conferences were well attended and very informative.  Thank you to Alan Jones for a successful term and congratulations to Todd Nelson as the newly-elected President of the MAC-ISA.

With the Christmas shopping and family gatherings going into overdrive the next several weeks, I just wanted to remind you of some upcoming events. On January 20th & 21st we have our annual Winter Conference and Pesticide Recertification.  Bob Mead has put together an excellent program that will also include an OSHA certification course during those two days.  Please mark you calendars for March 20, 2010, as well.  That will be our date for the Spring Arbor Day project at the Clyburn Arboretum.

One more reminder, in April of 2009 there were new crane operating laws that went into effect.  This January 2010 the enforcement of those laws will start.  If you have not taken the time yet, please do familiarize yourself with the laws and the training involved.

                       HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

     Winter Safety Message

     Adjust to the weather conditions:

• Leave extra time to defrost your vehicle windows, you need to see where you are going;
• Remove all snow and ice from your roof for your safety and others.  Have you ever seen what a flying block of ice can do?
• Turn off all outside water lines that will not be used for the next several months;
• Have emergency kits of food, water, clothing, and communication supplies for both your home and vehicles;
• Make sure your Christmas tree is far enough away from the fireplace or stove;
• Use battery operated lights instead of candles.

Sincerely,

Nick

Nicholas Valentine, President

The Maryland Arborist Association, Inc.